Homes can become difficult and dangerous for those developing mobility issues. Ensure that a home is safe and secure for your loved ones.
- Select a Bedroom on the Main Floor of the House
- If the room must be reached by stairs, consider installing an elevator or a chairlift in your home
- If designing the bedroom to accommodate a wheelchair, make sure it is ADA-compliant
- Select a bed that is a comfortable height
- Install Bed Rails
- Install wall-to-wall carpeting to decrease the likelihood of falls
- Update the bedroom lighting
- Make communication easy and simple
- Install a bedroom phone or a house-wide intercom system
- Install a wireless doorbell in an easily accessible location
- Remove heavy objects such as large dressers or other furniture that could potential fall or become an obstacle
- Remove closet doors
- Install additional insulation to provide a more comfortable climate and eliminate ambient noise
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- If redesigning the bathroom to accommodate a wheelchair, make sure it is ADA-compliant
- Install bathroom assistive devices such as grab rails or bars near the toilet and shower
- Install a lever-handled or hands-free faucet
- Install an anti-scald device
- Place non-skid, non-slip mats inside and outside of the shower/tub, near the toilet, and near the sink
- Install a raised toilet seat
- Consider ways in which you can make bathing easier:
- Purchase a transfer bench
- Install a showerhead with a detachable, handheld option
- Install a step-in or “curb-less” shower
- Install a walk-in bathtub
- Ensure the space is adequately lit, even at night
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- Relocate Kitchen to the main floor of the home (if not already situated there)
- If redesigning the kitchen to accommodate a wheelchair, make sure it is ADA-compliant
- Adjustments to the sink
- Install a shallow sink
- Install a lever-handled or hands-free faucet in an easily reachable location
- Consider installing a motorized sink that can be easily raised and lowered
- Install an anti-scald device
- Install anti-slip mats near the sink
- Adjust Appliances
- Consider the logical and most easily accessible placement for each appliance
- Select appliances that are easy to use and display information clearly
- Install anti-slip mats near each appliance
- Install drawer-style appliances
- Adjust the height of countertops and cabinets
- Add pull out shelving to cabinets
- Install levers or “D” shaped pulls on cabinets
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